Star Wars to film in the Burren in 2014

NORTH Clare is set to become the world’s biggest film set in 2014 with two massive Hollywood blockbusters – with a combined budget of more than €200 million – likely to film in the Burren.
The team behind the new Star Wars film are currently in discussion with the Irish Film Board (IFB) about filming in Ireland with the Burren mentioned as a possible site while it was confirmed over the weekend that a €80 million on the life of Brian Boru will be shot in-part at the Cliffs of Moher.
The biopic, which is based on the graphic novel ‘Freedom within the Heart’ confirmed that some battle scenes will be shot at the Cliffs – but no other location has yet been confirmed. The bulk of filming could take place at Brian Boru’s traditional stronghold at Killaloe.
Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Katherine Webster, said that the film could be a major boost for the North Clare Tourism.
“We would love to see parts of the Boru movie shot at the Cliffs of Moher and we know from experience how movie locations can help promote a tourism destination,” she said.
“We see the positive effect from a promotional perspective of the Cliffs being a location for Hollywood movies like ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ and ‘The Princess Bride’ as well as Irishmade movies like ‘Into the West’ and ‘Hear My Song’. Hopeful the Boru movie will be the next big blockbuster to be filmed in County Clare.”
Meanwhile, Star Wars director JJ Abrams is currently in negotiations with the Irish Film Board about bringing some filming for the new Star Wars film to Ireland.
Abrams, who wife Katie McGrath is of Irish descent, spend a holiday along the Irish coast in 2011. The couple spent time in North Clare, as well as Donegal and Sligo and it is understood that these three areas are in a possible short-list for filming.
“The Irish Film Board, working with Trina Vargo of the US-Ireland Alliance, has been in discussions with JJ Abrams and his team at Bad Robot about filming a number of projects on their slate in the Republic of Ireland,” said IFM chief executive, James Hickey.
“We have provided them with briefings about Ireland’s tax incentive Section 481, our accessible locations, world-class crew and production companies.”
It is understood that original Star Wars cast members Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will have roles in the new film.

Andrew has been working in the media in the West of Ireland for more than a decade. During that time he has been shortlisted for many national journalism awards, served as a judge for the Choice Music Prize in 2008 and was part of the nominating panel for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards from 2008 to 2011. He holds an MA in Journalism and Public Relation and a BA in English, Sociology and Politics.
He is currently working on his debut novel. A selection of his writings, including a number of new short stories can be viewed on Fighting Talk - http://fightingtalknow.blogspot.ie/
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5 COMMENTS

[…] Since Star Wars Episode VII can’t actually film in another galaxy, the crew is looking for exotic Earth locations that could double for faraway planets. Right now, one they’ve got their eye on is the Burren region of Ireland. According to a local paper, the Star Wars folks have already begun chatting with the Irish Film Board about the possibility of shooting in the area. Previously, we’ve heard that the film could also shoot in England. [Clare People] […]

[…] “Ireland’s Burren region is being eyed by the production crew of ‘Star Wars Episode VII’ for location shooting. It’s expected that much of the film will be shot next door in the UK…” (full details) […]

This will be enormous & For all involved-Local Businesses & Getting more Irish Talent Recognized. As for most of it been shot over in England ! We have A Long Good Relationship with, Hollywood & Other American Cinema & Commercial Enterprises…This Would Be A Great Oppertunity for Hollywood to Film In & at A Natural & Beautiful Location…That Is The Burren……